LOCHGILPHEAD MAN JAMES HARKINS SENTENCED FOR ABUSING CHILDREN AT WHITECRAIGS GOLF CLUB AND IN NEWTON MEARNS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Newton Mearns and Lochgilphead, James Harkins, a 64-year-old former greenkeeper, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison for the sexual abuse of young children, including an eight-year-old boy and a girl aged between seven and ten. The crimes took place over a span of nearly a decade, from 1986 to 1995, and involved multiple locations, including Harkins' residence in Newton Mearns, the Whitecraigs Golf Club where he was employed, and other sites such as a hut and bothy at the golf course, a fishing trip in Stewarton, Ayrshire, and a works' lorry driven by Harkins himself.

Harkins, who hails from Lochgilphead in Argyll and Bute, was convicted after admitting to a series of heinous acts. The court heard that the abuse of the young boy began when he was just eight years old and continued until he was thirteen. The initial assaults occurred at a house in Newton Mearns, where Harkins was living at the time. During these encounters, Harkins told the boy that their secret was to be kept hidden, a manipulation that added to the trauma. Prosecutor Gordon Lamont described how the abuse 'escalated' over time, to the point where the victim believed the acts were normal.

Further details revealed that Harkins also attacked the boy at Whitecraigs Golf Club, where he worked as a greenkeeper. These assaults took place in secluded areas such as a hut and a bothy on the golf course. The court was also informed that the victim was subjected to abuse during a fishing trip in Stewarton, Ayrshire, and inside a works' lorry driven by Harkins. Throughout the proceedings, Harkins sat in the dock, shaking his head as the details of his crimes were read out. The young victim did not disclose the abuse at the time, feeling isolated and fearing disbelief. It was only in 2012 that he reported the incidents to police in England, but he received no response. It was not until 2016 that he approached Scottish authorities, prompting a renewed investigation.

This investigation uncovered another victim, a girl aged between seven and ten at the time of her abuse. She had previously reported being assaulted by Harkins, which led to his initial imprisonment in 1996. However, during the recent inquiry, she disclosed additional incidents, including an attack at another house in Newton Mearns while she was asleep. Harkins later attempted to rape her as she cried out for him to stop, telling her, 'No one will believe you and they will take you away from your family.'

Harkins was detained by police in September 2016 at his home in Lochgilphead. During police interviews, he admitted to experiencing 'urges' at the time of the abuse. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including lewd and libidinous behaviour and attempted rape. Judge Lord Mulholland condemned Harkins' actions, stating, 'You subjected them to sexual abuse for your own selfish ends. What harm you have done them, only time will tell. You alone bear responsibility for your shameful conduct.' As Harkins was led away to the cells, he showed no visible emotion, remaining silent and stoic. The court's verdict underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims.